Leonarda Rose Perrotta, “Lee” as she was known to many, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Center in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Lee was born in the Bronx, NY on November 22, 1928. She was the daughter of the late Leonardo LaVardera and Frances Cocozza LaVardera. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Perrotta, her son Gerald Perrotta (Rose), and her brother Mario Lavardera (Millie).

Lee is survived by her daughter Francine Perrotta and her life partner Bill Hurtt and her honorary son Thomas Milazzo; along with her five grandchildren Anthony Lopilato (Lorraine), Christine Lopilato Cosby (Sam), Gerald Perrotta (Tonya), Lisa Perrotta (Jerry) and Brian Perrotta. Lee is also survived by four great-grandchildren Matthew, Hunter, Jordan, and Dallas; as well as three nephews Leonard, Frank, and George; and two nieces Mary Frances and Louise.

Lee attended school in the Bronx and after graduating from Walton High School in 1946, she started to attend nursing school. Shortly after, Lee married and had her two children, putting her nursing education on hold.

The family moved to Long Island in 1951 and Lee was busy raising her son and daughter. As years passed, Lee went on to complete her nurse’s training and graduated in 1965 — the same year her son graduated high school.

After receiving her nursing license, Lee went to work at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, Long Island. She left as a nursing supervisor when she moved to Virginia in 1980. Once in Virginia, Lee went to work at the University of Virginia Hospital. She retired as a very well respected Nursing Supervisor in August 1991. After retiring, Lee went on for a number of years volunteering her time to several worthwhile organizations.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.